UBTECH introduces the Tiangong Walker, a research-quality humanoid robot available for less than $45,000.

      The Tiangong Walker reduces the cost barrier for research-grade humanoid robots. Credit: UBTECH

      On Wednesday, UBTECH and the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center introduced the Tiangong Walker (our translation), a full-size humanoid robot aimed at research and education, priced at RMB 299,000 ($41,310). Shenzhen-based UBTECH claims it is the first research-grade humanoid robot available for under RMB 300,000, with deliveries expected to begin in the second quarter.

      Why it matters: The Tiangong Walker makes research-grade humanoid robots more affordable, thereby enhancing accessibility for universities and institutions. As China seeks to lead in robotics, this launch reinforces its position in the global humanoid robotics competition.

      Details: The Tiangong Walker is intended to lower the entry hurdles for humanoid robot applications in research and to encourage the development of original technologies in embodied intelligence, according to UBTECH. The robot stands at 170 cm tall and features a biomimetic torso with human-like motion control. With 20 degrees of freedom, it can run at a speed of 10 km/h and navigate various terrains including slopes, steps, sand, and snow while resisting impact disturbances.

      UBTECH highlighted that key areas of the Tiangong Walker utilize titanium alloy to minimize its weight. Together with high-torque density joint modules, the robot retains its structural integrity and impact resilience, making it ideal for frequent adjustments in research environments, as stated by the company.

      Intended to cater to the varied research requirements of scientific and educational fields, the Tiangong Walker reportedly includes a modular, expandable design supporting essential humanoid robot components like depth cameras, LiDAR, an NVIDIA Orin computing board, six-axis force sensors, collaborative dual-arm systems, and dextrous hands.

      For research users with secondary development requirements, the model also provides full access to motor, sensor, and motion control interfaces, along with development guides and sample code, UBTECH noted. Moreover, the robot's computing power can be expanded to as much as 550 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second).

      Context: In 2023, China’s MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) published the Guidelines for the Innovative Development of Humanoid Robots, positioning humanoid robots as a new frontier for technological competition and a key catalyst for economic growth. By the end of 2023, UBTECH, Jingcheng Machinery Electric, Xiaomi Robotics, Yizhuang Robotics, and seven other companies co-founded the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center. This year, UBTECH announced the creation of the Humanoid Robot Research Fund with an initial investment of RMB 10 million ($1.38 million) to support global universities and research institutions in their development projects.

      Jessie Wu is a tech reporter based in Shanghai. She covers consumer electronics, semiconductors, and the gaming industry for TechNode. Connect with her via e-mail: [email protected].